Reading

Chapter three of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, titled “Reading,” transcends a mere definition or poetic analysis of this activity. In fact, “Reading” actually promotes exemplary methods by which to explore literature. Thoreau specifically encourages the reading of original texts, deep analysis, and the development of educational village, a task that he predicts will refine America’s intellectual scene.

The title “Reading” may suggest a romantic interpretation of the beauty of literature. If anything, Thoreau is really commenting of the importance of literature and the best means by which it should be handled. Thoreau’s purpose actually consists of three parts. First, he promotes the study of ancient languages for true understanding of the classics. He exemplifies this by saying that “Homer” or “Æschylus” are best read “in the Greek” so that there will be no danger of “dissipation” of the text. But beyond just telling the reader to study literature in its original form, Thoreau also exults a more thorough approach to reading. At one point he says, “Books must be read as deliberately and reservedly as they are written, for there is a memorable interval between the spoken and written language” (Thoreau 2). Thoreau means that one cannot treat what he reads as spoken language. Thoreau describes spoken language as “brutish,” something learned “unconsciously.” Writers, on the other hand, put much thought into what they write, and thus their manuscripts deserve more thoughtful analysis. Otherwise, reading is merely a “paltry convenience.” Lastly, Thoreau intends to convert his New England village, Concord, into a “patron of the fine arts.” He even writes, “It is time that we had uncommon schools…that villages were universities. Cannot students be boarded here and get a liberal education under the skies of Concord?” (Thoreau 5). At this point in history, men and women in New England were sending their children to Europe to receive quality educations. To counter this trend, Thoreau advocates Concord’s own transformation into an educational center.

Only aiding in his purpose, Thoreau employs philosophical and disdainful tone and diction yet remains hopeful in the end. Within the first paragraph, he writes, “In founding a family or a state, or acquiring fame even, we (humans) are mortal: but in dealing with truth we are immortal” (Thoreau 1). Speaking of “truth” and mortality, Thoreau establishes a thoughtful, philosophical voice early on in the piece. The reader sees he takes the subject seriously. Later Thoreau writes that men only read to “keep up and add” to their English and that “this is about as much” as even the “college-bred” do. Thoreau is fairly disappointed that even the educated “college-bred” do not fully understand or grasp the importance of literature. Nonetheless, Thoreau finishes his the chapter on a hopeful not: “I am confident that…our means are greater than the nobleman’s. New England can hire all the wise men in the world to come and teach her…and not be provincial at all” (Thoreau 5). Despite lackluster performance with education and literature hitherto, Thoreau sees potential in Concord’s becoming a sophisticated educational center.

Thus Thoreau clarifies his intended audience as his own neighbors. Yet even earlier he writes, “We boast that we belong to the Nineteenth Century and are making the most rapid stride of any nation” (Thoreau 5). As shown with the words “we” and “nation,” he reveals that not only does he identify with his audience, but that it also goes beyond just Concord village. Thoreau really directs this work at America as a whole. This explains why Thoreau encourages the study of ancient languages and reading as a “noble intellectual exercise.” With these intellectual improvements that each individual can make, all of America can “take the place of the nobleman of Europe.” The nation itself can publicly become a center of intellect and education.

With this chapter, Thoreau intends to modify the way by which Americans read. He explains the importance of reading texts in their primary languages and also a more analytical style. With his ultimately goading tone, Thoreau attempts to move the reader to ameliorate his intellect, all because of the potential Thoreau sees in America.